Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Goldsmith. Them and their team share their story with us below:
The roots of our organization go back to February 2019 when our founder, Jeff Goldsmith (609 racing) first realized the true need to connect veterans to off-road racing. Jeff was approached by Desert Vets Racing (DVR) of Ridgecrest, CA, to allow one of their participating veterans to co-drive for him at an off-road desert race. After only one race, DVR asked Jeff to help them grow their organization and he responded quickly to initiate the Southeast Chapter of DVR. Having achieved many milestones in a short period of time, the contributing individuals collectively agreed to re-organize and expand the mission to include first responders and rebrand our organization.
On Mission, Motorsports was established in June 2021 to promote camaraderie and connectedness through adrenaline therapy for our nation’s first responders, active-duty military, and veterans. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and all of our American Heroes expenses are paid by On Mission Motorsports, so there is no cost barrier for our Heroes to come to spend the weekend with us.
We race across the country from California to South Carolina and all points between.
Providing comradery & outlets for stress by promoting connectedness between veterans, active duty service members, and first responders with the off-road racing community is a key strategy in the prevention of suicide and substance abuse.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a non-profit, we always face funding challenges. We have been blessed over the last year and a half with great support from our sponsors and supporters. In August we held our first big fundraising event and that was a huge success. At this point in time, every dollar we have raised goes to getting our American Heroes out to the races. We cover the cost of lodging, food, and entry fees at the races, all they have to do is get there.
As a grassroots organization, it’s difficult at times to convey our mission to the general public because actually experiencing our brand of adrenaline therapy is a hands-on experience.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Over the course of my 42 years in business, I have owned and managed two successful businesses and also worked in Law enforcement for many years.
I have recently fully retired from Law Enforcement to be able to spend more time running our non-profit. Since I was young, I’ve always had so much respect for our first responders, veterans, and active-duty military, and am now able to help get them the recognition they deserve.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
As the founder of On Mission Motorsports, most people know I have a history in Law Enforcement and I’m a staunch supporter of our American Heroes. But most people don’t know that I’ve done two world tours as a “roadie” with two A-list artists.
Contact Info:
- Website:onmissionmotorsports.org
- Instagram: @onmissionmotorsports
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OnMissionMotorsports
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwyZHBLlhiFrUA98HF053kg
